Final answer:
The nursing action that best meets the developmental needs of an 86-year-old post-prostate surgery patient is to encourage self-care to the extent possible, promoting independence, dignity, and physical activity, under the direct supervision of registered nursing staff.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best nursing action that meets the developmental needs of an 86-year-old patient who has had prostate surgery is to encourage the patient to perform self-care as much as possible. Fostering independence aligns with both geriatric best practices and the need to promote recovery and maintain function after surgery. Engaging in self-care can help prevent complications such as infections and thrombosis by increasing activity levels and circulation. The patient’s ability to perform self-care will depend on factors like pain, mobility, mental status, and the presence of any catheters or other medical devices.
While medication management, personal hygiene, and spiritual assessment are also important, empowering the patient to be as independent as possible is a priority. This promotes dignity, independence, and physical activity, which are all crucial for recovery and wellbeing in the elderly population. Nurses should tailor these activities within the patient’s ability, always aiming to balance safety and autonomy.
The interdisciplinary team, including surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists, is essential in creating a comprehensive care plan that addresses all of these aspects. The direct supervision of a registered nurse remains paramount, ensuring that the patient’s care is safely managed while fostering independence and respecting the geriatric principles of care.